How to Start a Ninja Warrior Gym Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Opening a Ninja Warrior Gym: A Beginner’s Guide
Ninja Warrior gyms have totally blown up over the last few years ever since American Ninja Warrior hit the scene. So many people want to test their skills on the type of intense obstacle courses they see on the show. With interest in ninja training at an all-time high, now is definitely the time to open your own badass Ninja Warrior style gym if you have the means. This guide will give you a solid head start on how to make that dream a reality.
Choose a Location
One of the first big decisions is picking the right location for your gym. You’ll need at least 5,000 square feet of wide open space inside to fit all the obstacles and training areas. I’d look for empty warehouse type buildings or large retail spaces in shopping plazas. Make sure the ceiling height is tall enough for those super high warped walls too. It’s ideal if the building is easy for people to access and visible from main roads so curious new clients can spot it.
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Obtain Proper Permits and Licensing
Once you’ve locked in an awesome location, you’ve got to deal with the boring paperwork side of things. Work with your local city or county to get all the required permits and business licenses lined up. Most places require gyms to meet commercial building codes and have legit professional grade facilities. I’d get contractors on board early to make sure any renovations meet all those picky regulations.
Design the Gym Layout
Now comes the really fun part — mapping out your gym floor plan! You’ll need a large open area for the main obstacle course. Then training zones for technique work, space for front desks, bathrooms, seating for spectators. Make sure to use soft flooring like gymnastics mats or turf to prevent ouchie falls. Of course load up on cargo nets, climbing ropes, rings, rock walls, balance beams, and other rad ninja training toys. The obstacles you have are key to getting ninjas pumped to train there.
Purchase Obstacles and Equipment
The obstacles you choose need to be top quality and durable for safety and to withstand tons of use. Some popular brands are Extreme Nation, Georgia Box Company, and Spectrum Sports. Get gear like plyo boxes, agility ladders, gymnastics rings, peg boards. Don’t forget necessities like first aid kits, floor mats, cleaning supplies. Shop smart cause this stuff is pricey. Safety with obstacles is critical.
Hire and Train Staff
Put together a stellar staff of coaches and front desk folks. Look for people with experience in gymnastics, rock climbing, CrossFit, ninja competitions. Vet everyone thoroughly — safety of customers is number one. Train them well on operating the gym, teaching classes, maintaining obstacles, emergency protocols. They’ll be crucial faces of your brand.
Promote the Gym
Get the word out on social media, local ads, flyers. Reach out to fitness influencers. Create an eye-catching website showing off your gym’s sweet obstacles. Offer deals like free intro classes. Hosting competitions or charity events are great marketing. Make a splash so people know your gym is the place to nurture their inner ninja.
Set Class Schedules and Membership Plans
Figure out your class schedule based on your coaching staff. Offer classes for all ages and abilities. Open gym hours so ninjas can practice. Set up membership rates, class packages and drop-in fees that are fair and competitive for your area. Offer lots of flexibility.
Focus on Safety
Number one priority by far is safety. Keep floors and obstacles in flawless shape. Enforce rules and teach proper technique. Require liability waivers. Make safety video viewing mandatory. Ease beginners into training carefully. With the right precautions, you’ll be building an exciting community that feels like family for aspiring ninja warriors.
Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand on any part of this revised blog post. I aimed to keep the same structure while making the tone and language more casual and conversational. Please provide any additional feedback to improve it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of insurance do I need?
You will need a commercial general liability insurance policy to cover any injuries or accidents that occur in your gym. The policy should provide at least $1 million in coverage and name your business as an additional insured.
How much space do I really need?
Plan for at least 5,000 square feet to start out, with extra space to add more obstacles as you grow. You’ll also need ceiling heights over 15 feet for warped walls and other tall obstacles.
What qualifications should my coaches have?
Look for coaches with experience in gymnastics, rock climbing, CrossFit, parkour or ninja competitions. Certifications in areas like personal training, CPR and first aid are also recommended. Vet candidates thoroughly for safety.
What’s the startup cost range?
Startup costs typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 including building out the space, buying equipment and initial operating expenses before revenue kicks in. Investors or small business loans can provide startup funding.
How can I make the gym kid-friendly?
Offer designated class times just for kids with age-appropriate obstacles. Get padded flooring to cushion falls. Enforce strict supervision by coaches and parents. Make safety an even bigger priority with childhood play.
Do I need a retail/pro shop?
A small retail area selling branded merchandise, workout gear and supplements can provide additional revenue. But the focus should remain on your core ninja warrior gym services. Add a retail shop once operations are running smoothly.
How do I recruit members early on?
Offer free demo classes and invite fitness influencers or local athletes to try your gym. Run contests like fastest time on an obstacle. Post videos of people testing obstacles on social media. Partner with nearby gyms, yoga studios and running groups open to cross-promoting.
Should I host competitions?
Ninja competitions can attract new customers and provide a fun community engagement opportunity once you are established. But focus on getting obstacles safely set up and core classes going first before adding this complex logistical challenge.
What about food and drinks?
Offering healthy shakes, snacks and drinks can be a nice ancillary revenue source and customer convenience. Just be sure your local health code regulations allow food service in your gym facility before adding this extra element.
